Kerala attracts tourists for its picturesque landscape, pristine beaches, serene backwaters and temple towns. There are many pilgrim centers in Kerala that draw pilgrims from all over South India during the annual festivals and fairs.

Pathnamthitta is an important district in Kerala. This district is full of forests, highlands and coconut trees. There are also plantations of cardamom, pepper and rubber. The district is nourished by three main rivers- Pamba, Manimala and Achenkovil. It is also famous for its hill shrine Sabarimala. The presiding deity here is Lord Ayyappa. Sree Ayyappa is regarded as the guardian of the mountaineers. The temple is located in the dense forests atop the Sabari hills. Over 2 million pilgrims gather here during the months of November- January for the annual pilgrimage. Pilgrims observe strict austerities for a period of 41 days and then undertake the holy pilgrimage to Sabarimala. This is a well known pilgrim center in South India and is situated about 914 mts above the sea level. It is located 191 kms from the state capital Thiruvanandapuram and 210 kms from Kochi. Vehicles are allowed only up to Pamba after which it is accessible only by foot. The last leg of the pilgrimage involves a 4 km trek from Pamba upward in the hilly terrain. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. This is also known as the Thriveni Sangamam or the confluence of the three rives- Pamba, Mamimala and Achenkovil.

Mandalapooja and Makaravillaku are the two main important events at the Sabarimala temple during the pilgrim season. The temple remains closed for the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu. The shrine at Valiyakoikal temple is similar to that at Sabrimala. The royal ornaments of Sree Ayyappa are kept in the Valiyakoikal palace near the temple. Three days before the Makaravilakku, the royal ornaments are carried in a procession to Sabarimala.